Tennessee
New Tennessee law requiring AEDs in high schools goes into effect
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee’s “Smart Heart Act” is now in effect after it was signed by Governor Bill Lee in May. The legislation requires automatic defibrillators in schools and also establishes protocols for medical emergencies related to cardiac issues.
As of July 1, each public and non-public school where students attend grades 9 through 12 must maintain an automated external defibrillator (AED) thanks to the Smart Heart Act. The law also requires that the AED be made accessible during the regular school day and athletic events.
The Tennessee General Assembly passed the Smart Heart Act, sponsored by Cepicky and Hensley, in April 2024.
“Nothing is more important than keeping our students healthy and safe, and the Smart Heart Act ensures schools will be ready to respond in the event of a cardiac-related emergency,” Gov. Bill Lee stated in May upon signing the legislation into law. “I commend the General Assembly for their commitment to Tennessee students in passing this legislation.”
The Smart Heart Sports Coalition, which was launched in 2023, comprises major sports leagues and leading health advocacy groups seeking to drive the adoption of policies that could help prevent fatalities from Sudden Cardiac Arrest among high school students. Among the priorities include clearly marked AEDs at or within minutes of each high school athletic venue, an emergency action plan specific to each athletic venue that is posted and regularly rehearsed, plus education in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with AED use, for coaches and school personnel.
As the Supreme Court weakens voting rights protections, Tennessee’s Jim Crow history offers a stark warning about race, power and representation.
Southern states race to redraw district maps following SCOTUS ruling
Supreme Court decision, which split along conservative and liberal lines, essentially nullified section 2 of the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Recent developments concerning race and democracy have prompted much discussion about the American experiment and the meaning of citizenship. This series of guest essays examines major issues, such as race, slavery, Jim Crow and civil and voting rights, in the context of their collective meaning in our present.
These guest essays help us understand the importance of these topics in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The Supreme Court has nakedly attacked the most significant legislative achievement in American history: the Voting Rights Act. Justice Samuel Alito argued that Louisiana’s use of the law to support minority majority congressional districts was an unconstitutional “racial gerrymander.”
Louisiana v. Callais will be remembered as the culmination of a decades-long effort by conservative politicians and jurists to undermine one of the central underpinnings of American democracy. The brazenness of the Court’s action is as disturbing as it was predictable. Many have argued the Court’s actions will lead to a new Jim Crow.
As the nation comes to grips with a new legal paradigm regarding civil rights, imposed by an unelected and hyper-partisan Court, it is time to reexamine just what Jim Crow actually meant to Tennessee and the South, as well as what it might portend for our future.
What Jim Crow was and how it took hold
The Jim Crow era, de jure and de facto, existed from the end of Reconstruction to the late 1960s. The term is the center identifier for all the laws, rules, and customs that governed the period. It originated around 1828, when Thomas Dartmouth “Daddy” Rice originated the character of “Jim Crow” in New York. Wearing “blackface,” Rice regaled audiences with dance and song in blackface, using burnt cork makeup to give the appearance of Black skin.
By 1840, “Jim Crow” was incredibly popular because of its deeply offensive representations of Black people. The outrageous stereotypes meant to dehumanize Black America would, by the 1890s, take on an even more menacing tone.
How Tennessee built a segregated society
Tennessee was the first state to reenter the Union in June 1866. Our state had a long history of holding people in bondage. Enslaved people were chattel, meaning they were little more than property to be bought, sold and possessed. After the war, Tennessee designed laws to make Blacks into second-class citizens.
In 1875, Tennessee created one of the first frameworks for a segregated society, which allowed a variety of public-facing entities – hotels, businesses, transportation and others – to refuse service and/or admission to Black Tennesseans. This was in response to Congress passing the 1875 Civil Rights Act, which promised equal treatment for Black people in public places and the right to serve on juries.
By the start of the 20th century, Tennessee, like the rest of the South, erected all kinds of laws to trap Blacks into second-class citizenship. Everything was segregated, from housing to hospitals to cemeteries to water fountains to bathrooms to lunch counters. The Supreme Court gave its blessing to segregation in 1896 when it decided the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson decision. The federal government had given Tennessee and the rest of the South its blessing to enforce a deeply dehumanizing, two-tiered apartheid system.
The vast majority of Blacks were disenfranchised by a series of official acts of the Tennessee legislature in 1889. Laws regarding poll taxes and literacy tests restricted many from accessing the ballot. Lynchings served to intimidate Black Tennesseans from challenging the new laws.
At least 177 Black Tennesseans were lynched during Jim Crow. Ida B. Wells began her career in Memphis documenting the scourge of lynchings in her Free Speech newspaper. She was terrorized by angry whites, and after her press was burned by a white mob, she remained in the North, where she continued her work. The murders and mayhem undergirded Jim Crow in Tennessee.
Why change required sustained pressure
Today, it is not enough to say these laws have changed. Too often, it is noted that the country has moved past race. Brown v. Board of Education came to pass. The Civil Rights Act came to pass. The Voting Rights Act came to pass. The Fair Housing Bill came to pass. These advancements came about because of the courage of Black Americans, white and Jewish allies, and others who demanded change toward justice. Commentators point out these changes as if the country should be rewarded for finally delivering on basic rights already guaranteed by the Constitution.
Congress and the statehouses did not change because they felt morally responsible for the plight of Blacks. The changes came because people said “enough.”
How today’s disputes reflect unresolved history
In 2026, our problems remain rooted in the Jim Crow past. A great many Americans, including those in Tennessee, never accepted the racial progress of the 1950s and 1960s. Some argue our new congressional maps are simply an exercise in partisanship and power.
Poppycock! Such measures will result in the disenfranchisement of Tennesseans. If some are not able to elect representatives who are in alignment with their political and policy views, then something most vile has been reawakened in the Volunteer State.
Basic issues such as support for public schools, public works, infrastructure and investment will subside as political attention is devoted to areas of the state perceived to be more authentically Tennessean at the expense of Black and poor residents. The irony is that the supermajority has forgotten that less than 20 years ago, they were in the minority and were quite sensitive about violations of the rights of the minority.
The stakes for voting rights and representation
To argue that race no longer plays a role in American life simply does not pass the smell test. Conservatives are missing an opportunity to gain traction, followers and, most importantly, voters because many are unwilling to put down the barbed clubs of grievance and shortsightedness.
The Voting Rights Act was not a radical legislative solution. Its design was very basic and conservative in its purpose: to develop a series of mechanisms to enforce and ensure equal opportunity and access for all Americans to taste the richness of American democracy.
Daryl A. Carter, Ph.D., is associate dean, director, and professor of history at East Tennessee State University.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — FOX 17 News is monitoring for a few strong thunderstorms that are possible Sunday and Monday.
A few isolated storms are possible in the afternoon, but the best chance for any strong or severe storms will come Sunday night into Monday morning.
The overall threat for severe weather is low, but some of the strongest storms could bring gusty winds and heavy rainfall. The tornado threat is very low.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Tuesday through Friday carries a 20% chance for some pop-up showers and thunderstorms.
Tennessee
Things to do in the Chattanooga area this week include Chickapalooza, Amy Grant, Summerween | Chattanooga Times Free Press
COMEDY
‘The Muslims are Coming’
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Comedy Catch, 29 Station St.
Cost: $23 for general admission
More info: Showcase of Muslim (and non-Muslim) comedians.
thecomedycatch.com
FILM
‘Toy Story 5’
When: 6:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $15 for general admission
More info: Latest installment in the long-running Pixar franchise about the lives of childhood toys.
tnaqua.org/imax
Bobby Stone Film Series
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $13.50 for general admission
More info: Screenings include: “Resurrection” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, “Rear Window” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and “The Sparks Brothers” at 4 p.m. Sunday.
tivolichattanooga.com
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‘Supergirl’
When: 5 and 7:15 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Where: Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater, 201 Chestnut St.
Cost: $15 for general admission
More info: Summer blockbuster about Superman’s cousin, Supergirl.
tnaqua.org/imax
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Movie night
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Chester Frost Park, 7872 Causeway Road
Cost: Free
More info: Hamilton County Parks and Recreation hosts a free movie night screening of “Finding Nemo.” Includes games, vendors and more.
facebook.com
MUSIC
Ramsey & Broemel
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $30 in advance
More info: Musicians Tyler Ramsey and Carl Broemel from Of My Morning Jacket performs.
venue.songbirds.org
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Fielder
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.
Cost: $13 for general admission
More info: Nashville-based duo Fielder performs.
thewoodshoplisteningroom.com
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Chris Knight
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $30 in advance
More info: Kentucky native Chris Knight performs.
venue.songbirds.org
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Barkley Cove
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: The Woodshop, 5500 St. Elmo Ave.
Cost: $10 for general admission
More info: Folk ensemble Barkley Cove performs.
thewoodshoplisteningroom.com
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Nightfall
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Miller Plaza, 850 Market St.
Cost: Free admission
More info: Free summer concert series Nightfall continues, with The 42 as opener and Zach Person as headliner. Also features food trucks and market vendors.
nightfallchattanooga.com
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Chelsea Drugstore
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $15 in advance
More info: Chelsea Drugstore, a tribute to the Rolling Stones, performs.
venue.songbirds.org
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R&B vs. Hip Hop
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St.
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of show
More info: DJ experience, pitting R&B against Hip Hop.
barrelhouseballroom.com
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Struggle Jennings
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.
Cost: $24.50 for general admission
More info: Grandson of Waylon Jennings, Struggle Jennings, performs.
thesignaltn.com
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KPop Demon Hunters
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Parlour at The Signal, 21 Choo Choo Ave.
Cost: $25 for general admission
More info: Family friendly DJ experience, featuring the music of the hit Netflix animated film.
thesignaltn.com
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Riverfront Nights
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Ross’s Landing, 201 Riverfront Parkway
Cost: Free
More info: Free summer concert series Riverfront Nights continues for the 2026 season. Sloppy Street Tacos opens, and Jump, a tribute to Van Halen, headlines.
riverfrontnights.com
–––
Paul McDonald
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Songbirds, 206 W. Main St.
Cost: $20 in advance
More info: Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves performs.
venue.songbirds.org
–––
Amy Grant
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Walker Theatre, 399 McCallie Ave.
Cost: $61+
More info: Singer-songwriter Amy Grant performs.
tivolichattanooga.com
OUT & ABOUT
Nooga Splash
When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Chester Frost Park, 2389 Gold Point Circle N.
Cost: $14+
More info: Floating water park Nooga Splash continues for the summer season. Main season operating hours continue through Aug. 4.
noogasplash.com
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Family Potluck
When: 4-9 p.m. Monday
Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.
Cost: Free
More info: Post Nuclear Family Potluck, an all-ages chosen family potluck. Features games, dinner and a movie.
barkinglegs.org
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Battle of Badges
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday
Where: Walker County Sheriff’s Office, 105 S. Duke St., LaFayette
Cost: Free
More info: Walker and Catoosa county Sheriff’s Offices host a blood donation drive.
donor.bloodassurance.org
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Farmers market
When: 3-6 p.m. Thursday
Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St.
Cost: Free admission
More info: Farmer and farmer-adjacent vendors at the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
facebook.com
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River market
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, 1 Broad St.
Cost: Free admission
More info: Chattanooga River Market continues, featuring various vendors. Market open Saturdays only from April-October.
chattanoogamarket.com
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Chickapalooza
When: 10 a.m.-sunset Saturday
Where: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga
Cost: Free admission
More info: Chickapalooza Art and Music Festival, featuring a lineup of live music, artists, food and more.
facebook.com
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History program
When: 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tenn.
Cost: $10 park entrance fee
More info: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park hosts program about the forces that created the mountains and ridges of the Tennessee River Valley.
nps.gov/chch
–––
Radio Field Day
When: 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Where: Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 265 South Ave., Flintstone
Cost: Free
More info: Tri-States Amateur Radio Club hosts an amateur radio field day, showcasing how the technology works.
ag4dw@arrl.org
–––
Summerween
When: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Patten Square, 818 Georgia Ave.
Cost: Free
More info: Celebrate Halloween in the Summer at Summerween, featuring costume contests, a watermelon-carving contest, live music and more.
rivercitycompany.com
SPORTS
Lady Red Wolves
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: CHI Memorial Stadium, 1 Stadium Way
Cost: $10+
More info: Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves take on the Southern Soccer Academy.
chattanoogaredwolves-sc.com
–––
Lookouts
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday
Where: Erlanger Park, 2658 Pipe Way
Cost: $7+
More info: Chattanooga Lookouts take on the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Promotions include: World Soccer Night and Las Montanas de Chattanooga on Tuesday, a blanket giveaway on Wednesday, a cell phone bag giveaway, drink specials and Never Text and Drive Night on Thursday, Unum Night and fireworks on Friday, Dino Weekend and a pre-game concert on Saturday and Dino Weekend and a canned food drive on Sunday.
mlb.com/milb/chattanooga
–––
Football Club
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Finley Stadium, 1826 Reggie White Blvd.
Cost: $8+
More info: Chattanooga Football Club takes on the Chicago Fire Football Club.
chattanoogafc.com
THEATER & ARTS
Dungeons and Drag-ons
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave.
Cost: $15 for general admission
More info: Dungeons and Dragons-inspired drag showcase for ages 13 and older.
barkinglegs.org
______
Have an upcoming event? Email calendar@timesfreepress.com to be considered for one of our listings or go to timesfreepress.com/calendar for immediate posting online.
Sam Still
Sam Still is the outdoors reporter for the Chattanooga Times Free Press. In this role, Sam focuses on stories about people and their relationship to the regional environment. Sam began his journalism career as an intern for the Times Free Press, writing for the lifestyle publication Chatter Magazine. He joined the newspaper full-time in summer 2023. He received a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he was a staff writer and assistant news editor for the university’s student newspaper, The Echo. He is originally from Cleveland, Tennessee.
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